Steve Smith questionable to return with knee injury

Posted by Darin Gantt on December 22, 2013, 1:37 PM EDT

AP

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was protecting a dislocated finger early in the game.

He suddenly has a bigger concern.

Smith pulled up after no contact and immediately went to the locker room to get his left knee checked out. The Panthers have already announced his return as questionable, during a scoreless tie with the Saints.

That’s a huge blow for the home team, though their defense is holding the Saints in check so far. The Panthers are going to be able to run, but this puts more pressure on Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn, if Smith’s not able to return.